Work in Weirton Continues

WEIRTON — The Weirton area has been getting a great deal of attention in recent years.

From home-grown development efforts to funding from state and federal governments aimed at cleaning up former industrial sites, to international companies deciding to call the city home, there has been much going on as part of attempts to spur an economic renaissance.

That attention will continue this week as Weirton plays host for a Regional Economic Diversification Summit sponsored by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The idea is to bring representatives of state and federal government agencies, as well as elected officials, to the city, along with individuals from various financial institutions, investors, development firms and others in order to showcase what has been done in the community and a vision for the future.

There will be a welcome reception Monday afternoon, after which participants will be taken on a guided tour of some of the focal points for development in the city: the Three Springs Business Park, areas along Main Street including downtown Weirton and the north end; and the acreage of former steel-producing properties owned by the Frontier Group of Companies.

Tuesday will feature a series of roundtable discussions focusing on issues such as transportation, economic development and workforce development.

According to local officials, there only have been a handful of these summits — known as REDS — to take place, and this will be the first within 200 miles of the Ohio Valley.

Mayor Harold Miller noted it is important to get the word out about Weirton as work to redevelop and grow the city continues. We agree, and we are sure this summit will help to bring even more eyes and ears to our area, grabbing the attention of those who will be interested in building and thriving here.